The Illustrated London Reading Book eBook

By this time the other lady was come up, who addressed
herself to the young hero in a very different manner:—­“Hercules,”
says she, “I offer myself to you because I know
you are descended from the gods, and give proofs of
that descent by your love of virtue and application
to the studies proper for your age. This makes
me hope you will gain, both for yourself and me, an
immortal reputation. But before I invite you into
my society and friendship, I will be open and sincere
with you, and must lay this down as an established
truth, that there is nothing truly valuable which
can be purchased without pains and labour. The
gods have set a price upon every real and noble pleasure.
If you would gain the favour of the Deity, you must
be at the pains of worshipping Him; if the friendship
of good men, you must study to oblige them; if you
would be honoured by your country, you must take care
to serve it; in short, if you would be eminent in
war or peace, you must become master of all the qualifications
that can make you so. These are the only terms
and conditions upon which I can propose happiness.”

The Goddess of Pleasure here broke in upon her discourse:—­“You
see,” said she, “Hercules, by her own
confession, the way to her pleasures is long and difficult;
whereas that which I propose is short and easy.”

“Alas!” said the other lady, whose visage
glowed with passion, made up of scorn and pity, “what
are the pleasures you propose? To eat before
you are hungry; drink before you are athirst; sleep
before you are tired; to gratify appetites before
they are raised, and raise such appetites as Nature
never planted. You never heard the most delicious
music, which is the praise of one’s-self; nor
saw the most beautiful object, which is the work of
one’s own hands. Your votaries pass away
their youth in a dream of mistaken pleasures, while
they are hoarding up anguish, torment, and remorse
for old age. As for me, I am the friend of gods
and of good men; an agreeable companion to the artizan;
an household guardian to the fathers of families;
a patron and protector of servants; an associate in
all true and generous friendships. The banquets
of my votaries are never costly, but always delicious;
for none eat or drink of them who are not invited
by hunger or thirst. Their slumbers are sound,
and their wakings cheerful. My young men have
the pleasure of hearing themselves praised by those
who are in years; and those who are in years, of being
honoured by those who are young. In a word, my
followers are favoured by the gods, beloved by their
acquaintance, esteemed by their country, and after
the close of their labours honoured by posterity.”

We know, by the life of this memorable hero, to which
of these two ladies he gave up his heart; and I believe
every one who reads this will do him the justice to
approve his choice.